Jan 24, 2012- 11:57 AM
According to Gerard Courtin, a semi-retired winter ecology professor from Laurentian University, too many people die in their vehicles when they could survive by making a shelter for themselves.
“They would spend an uncomfortable night, but they would be alive in the morning,” he said.
On Jan. 22, Courtin was on hand at the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area to teach families the art of making quinzhees. It was part of an outreach activity hosted by the Nickel District Conservation Authority and Friends of Lake Laurentian. The afternoon outing also included guided animal tracking and showshoe treks.
In as little as two to two-and-a-half hours, families were making spaces they could sleep in if they had to. However, the builds happening during the afternoon were a matter of fun and education instead of survival. It also allowed people to explore one of the city's finest resources.
“I don't think a lot of people in town know about (the conservation area),” volunteer Daniela Stuewer said.
While families were enjoying themselves, they were also learning valuable information.
Courtin said the reason quinzhees can save lives is that the ground-snow interface is zero degrees C. Staying close to the ground provides warmth, as does the snow used to make the dome.
“Snow is an incredible insulator,” Courtin said.
He said anyone interested in building an outdoor shelter should keep some things in mind:
- Never pack the snow: It removes air from the snow, which is counterproductive when trying to make a “sleeping bag” from snow.
- Build the quinzhee as small as possible: Build the quinzhee with enough room for one less person than will be staying the night — it will help contain body heat if everyone is huddled near each other.
- Allow for ventilation: A hole in the dome will do the trick.
- Avoid air flow: Make the tunnel into the quinzhee as small as possible — no taller or wider than the largest person's shoulders.
Posted by Arron Pickard
